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(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet'l. A. B. BROWN.

APPARATUS FOR STEERING VBSSELS. No. 568,738. Patented Oct. 6, 1896.

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A. B. BROWN. APPARATUS FOR STEERING VESSELS. No. 568,738. Patented 0012.6, 1896.

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(No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 3.

v A.. B. BROWN. APPARATUS FOR STEERING VESSELS.

Nd. 568,738. Patented Oct. 6,1896

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ATTORNEY v WASH (No Model,) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

A A. B. BROWN. APPARATUS FOR STEERING VBSSBLS.

No. 568,738, Patented 001;. 6, 1896.

A TTORNE) usual manner by the cylinders O, piston-rods extending aft in the position of an after-tiller.

UNITED STATES ,ATENT- rricn.

ANDREXV B. BROlVN, OF EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.

APPARATUS FOR STEERING VESSELS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 568,738, dated October 6, 1896.

Application filed November 8, 1895. Serial No. 568,261. (No model.) Patentedin England June 21,1889, No. 10,132.

To c'tZZ whom, it may concern.-

Beit known that I, ANDREW Bn'rrs BROWN, a subject of the Queen of Great Britain, residing at Edinburgh, in the county of Mid-Lothian, Scot-land, haveinvented a new and useful Apparatus for Steering Vessels, (for which I have obtained Letters Patent in Great Britain, No. 10,132, bearing date June 21, 1889,) which invention is fully set forth and illustrated in the following specification and accompanying drawings.

The object of this invention is to operate the rudder of a vessel by means of mechanism mounted upon a tiller or frame connected to the rudder-head.

The invention will first be described in detail, and then particularly set forth in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows in plan a steering apparatus constructed according to myinvention. Fig. 2 is a side elevation, partly in section, of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. Figs. 3 and show in plan and side elevation, respectively, a modified form of mechanism for operating the controlling-valve of the apparatus. Figs. 5 and 6 show in side elevation and plan, respectively, another modification of the controlling-valve and its operating mechanism.

In said figures the several parts are respectively indicated by reference-letters as follows:

The letter A indicates the rudder-head of a vessel, upon which is fixed an iron frame B,

To the frame B are secured a pair of cylinders C and a box-like casting D, carryin g bearings for a crank-shaft E, which is rotated in the O and connecting-rods 0 Upon the crankshaft E is secured a worm F, which gears with a worm-wheel G on a vertical spindle or shaft H, held in bearings in the fork of the after end of the frame B. TheWorm-wheel G is not fast on the spindle H, but turns said spindle'by means of a clutch device now to be described. The wheel G is provided with a cylindrical flange G, within which is a clutchring J, secured to the spindle H by means of an arm J 5 and boss J, said ring being cut through or divided at a point diametrically opposite to said arm. To 0ne end ofthe split ring J is secured one end of a laminated or other suitable spring J'-, extending inward, and having its other end bearing on the boss J. The other end of the ring J has secured to or formed upon it a block J provided with internal screw'threads adapted to receive a screw-pin J which bears against the other end of the ring J. The pin Jis adjusted by means of a small worm-wheel thereon in gear with a worm J which is adjustable by means of a lever, key, or small hand-wheel. When the steam machinery is operated to move the rudder, the clutch-ring J is, by means of the screw-pin J expanded so as to tightly fit within the flange G of the worm-wheel G. It is not, however, expanded too tightly, but so that if a severe strain is brought upon the parts by the sea striking the rudder the clutch-ring J will slip and the parts will be relieved. As soon as the extra strain ceases to act the spring J 2 will cause the clutch-ring J to again expand and become as tight as before.

Secured fast upon the spindle II is a pinion K, which gears with a toothed arc-shaped rack L, provided with a flange L, by means of which it is bolted or otherwise secured to the deck of the vessel. WVhen the pinion K is turned by means of the steam machinery, said pinion rolls along the rack L and moves the tiller-frame B along with it.

All parts of the machinery except the pinion K and the cylinders C are inclosed within a box-like casting D, provided with a close cover D. Said cover (shown in Fig. 2, but omitted in Fig. 1) is provided with one or more small openings to permit of access to the mechanism, said openings being each fitted with a cover D Thus the parts are completely inclosed and protected from seawater and all other injurious or obstructive matter. The piston-rods O and valve-rods 0 pass into the box D through stuffing-boxes, and all the parts within said box are kept constantly well lubricated by oil distributed to them from a reservoir M. Said oil drains into a depression in the bottom of the box D, from which it is pumped up and returned to the reservoir when the machinery is in motion by a small pump N, operated by a rod N and bell-crank lever N actuated by one of the valve-rods G Steam or other fluid may be led to and from the cylinders (J by any convenient arrange ment of jointed or flexible piping. I, however, prefer to fix a bracket P on the tillerframe B, said bracket being provided with passages or pipes connnunicating with the valve-casings of the cylinders C and having stuffing-boxes P P above the rudder-head A and in the line of the axis of said rudderhead. The pipe P enters the upper stuffingbox I, and the exhaust-pipe P enters the lower stu fling-box P This arrangement permits of the angular movements of the tillerframe B with the fewest and simplest joints for the pipe connections.

The controlling-valve O of the apparatus is arranged, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, to be operated by a controlling-piece Q, which may be moved by means of a hand wheel or lever near it or by means of hydraulic telemotor apparatus or of chains, cords, rods, or geared shafting actuated on the bridge of the vessel or at some other more or less distant point. In the apparatus shown in the drawings the controlling-valve rod Q is moved by a lever Q, operated by means of a nut and a screwthreaded spindle Q Said spindle is carried in bearings on the tiller-frame B and is provided on its forward end with a bevel-pinion which gears with a bevel-toothed sector formed on the controlling-piece Q which is arranged to turn looselyin or on the rudderhead A, and is provided with an arm Q, to which the controlling movements are applied by a rod Q, actuated by a telemotor apparatus or in any other suitable manner.

From the above description the operation of the apparatus will be evident. If movement be imparted to the rod Q, (from the steering-wheel,) said rod will,through the arm Q, move the toothed sector or controllingpiece Q" to one side or the other at an angle more or less corresponding to the desired angle of the rudder. As said sector moves on its center, set in line of axis of the rudderhead, it will turn the pinion Q on the shaft Q and by means of the lever Q and valverod Q open the controlling-valve 0 of the apparatus and admit steam or other fluid to the cylinders 0, thus setting in operation the fluid-motor apparatus carried by the frame B.

By means of the connecting-rods, crankshaft, and gearing already described (the clutch J being thrown in) the pinion K on the shaft 11 will be caused to travel along the toothed rack L, thus moving the whole frame B, secured to the rudder-head, as a tiller and thus move the rudder. This movement of the frame B will cause the pinion Q to traverse on the sector Q, which is held fast by the rod Q" whenever the steering-wheel is held fast. This traverse of the pinion Q on the rack of the sector Q at rest will cause the rotation of thepinion in the direction opposite to or the reverse of that imparted to it when it was previouslyrotated by the movement of the sector Q so that when the rudder has reached the angle desired this reverse rotation of the pinion Q will have shutoff the controlling-valve O by rotating in the reverse direction the shaft Q by which said valve had been opened, and thus the engines will be stopped and the rudder brought to rest. llence each movement of the sector Q by the rod Q makes, in effect, a new zero-point on said sector from which to effect a new movement of the rudder from any assumed position of rest by a new movement of the steering-wheel acting through the rod Q.

Instead of the sector Q and the mechanism connecting it with the valve-rod Q the arrangement shown in Figs. 3 and at may be used, particularly in large-size apparatus. In this arrangement a simple controlling-lever CL is suitably centered at b on the tillerframe 15, so as to be movable horizontally, and is connected by means of the valve-lever or arm 0 to the valve-rod Q. The other end of said lever a is connected to the rod Q, 0perated by a telemotor or other actuating apparatus. \Vhen the controlling-lever a is moved by said actuating apparatus, it will turn on its center on the tiller-frame b as a fulcrum and shift the controlling-valve, required, to start the motor; and when the tiller-frame I3 is moved by the action of the motor the end of the lever previously actuated by the telemotor apparatus will then act as the fulcrum of said lever, which will then be reversed, so as to return the controllingvalve to its middle or neutral position.

In Figs. 5 and (5 is shown another modification of valve-operatin g mechanism which may be used instead of the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 and 2, particularly on small-size apparatus. In this modification the controllingvalve consists of a three-way cock inelosed within a casingf, mounted in the line of the axis of the rudder-head A. The plug 9 of said cock is turned by means of the controlling-lever it, one end of which is connected thereto, the other end of the lever being connected to the rod Q, operated by the telemotor or other actuating apparatus. \Vhen the controlling-lever 71. is moved by the actuating apparatus, it will cause the plug 1 of the controlling valve or cock to turn on its axis within the casing f and thus start the motor, and when the tiller-frame B moves it will carry the valve-face with it and so close the port.

The steam-cylinders G may be of any wellknown construction,fitted with piston or other valves; and the shape of the control] in g-valve and its location may be varied as desired without departing from my invention.

For the purpose of moving the rudder by hand where steam or other motive fluid is not available the tiller-frame B is shown in the drawings provided with a forward extension forming a toothed sector B, which gears with a pinion (not shown) on the lower end of a vertical shaft R, carried in bearin gs in acastiron or other metal standard S, secured to the deck of the vessel. The upper part of the shaft R is provided with a worm-wheel (not shown) which gears With a worm T on a horizontal shaft T, carried in hearings in the standard S, said shaft T having fast thereon a steering-wheel T The worm-wheel on the shaft Ris not fast on said shaft, but, when desired, it will turn said shaft by means of the clutch R, which is similar to the clutch upon the pinion-shaft H of the fiuid-motor apparatus, thus permitting the rudder to be moved by either steam or hand power. This hand-0perated apparatus may be arranged either in the position shown in the drawings or in any other convenient position to move the rudder. It is obvious that the cylinders C may be arranged either horizontally or in any other convenient manner. It is also obvious that instead of the pinion K and rack L equivalent devices, such as a sprocket-pinion, may be employed to engage a pitch-chain having its ends fastened on each side, or a winding-drum may be arranged to act upon wire or other ropes and tackle-blocks or pulleys. Said pinion, sprocket-pinion, or drum may be actuated through any suitable gearing, and some suitable spring device or devices equivalent to the spring-clutch may be introduced to give relief from shocks due to heavy seas without departing from my invention.

The advantages of the apparatus herein described are that the steering-engine, if desired, may operate the rudder without the use of chains or ropes. It will let go the rudder when unduly strained and will return auto matically to its former position when the abnormal strain has been removed. The change from power-steering to hand-gear is easily and quickly accomplished, and the fewest number of parts possible are employed. The inclosing of the machinery Within a box or casing permits the use of the apparatus on the open deck of a vessel without any house, as said casing will exclude Water and other obj ectionable matter from the operating parts.

Having thus fully described my invention, I claim 1. A steering apparatus for vessels, consisting of a tiller or frame secured to the rudderhead and carrying a fluid-motor apparatus adapted to operate said frame and the rudder.

2. A steering apparatus for vessels, consisting of a tiller or frame secured to the rudderhead; a rack secured to the deck of the vessel; and a fluid-motor apparatus carried by said frame and provided with a pinion in mesh with said rack.

A steering apparatus for vessels, consisting of a tiller or frame secured to the rudderhead and carryingthe following-named parts: cylinders provided with pistons and connecting-rods; a crank-shaft operated by said rods and provided with a worm-gear; and a vertical shaft provided at one end with a worm- Wheel in mesh with said worm-gear and at its other end with a pinion in mesh with a fixed rack secured to the deck of the vessel.

4:. A steering apparatus for vessels, consistin g of a tiller or frame secured to the rudderhead and carrying the following-named parts cylinders provided with pistons and connectin g-rods; a crank-shaft operated by said rods and having a Worm-gear fixed thereon; a worm-wheel loosely mounted on a vertical shaft and meshing with said worm-gear, said worm-wheel being provided with suitable clutch mechanism to cause it to engage its shaft; and a pinion secured to said vertical shaft and meshing with a fixed racksecured to the deck of the vessel.

5. In a steering apparatus for vessels, a clutch mechanism consisting of a shaft having a worm-wheel loosely mounted thereon, and a clutch-ring, within said worm-wheel, secured to said shaft by means of a boss provided with a worm-wheel; one end of said ring being provided with a spring bearing against said boss, and the other end with a screw-pin bearing against said spring.

6. In a steering apparatus for vessels, the combination of a crank-shaft, gearing, and rods for driving the same; a closed box or casing, as D, inclosing said parts; an oil-reservoir as M; and a pump, as N, for returning oil from the bottom of said casing to said reservoir.

7. In a steering apparatus for vessels, the combination of a crank-shaft, gearing, and rods for driving the same; a closed box or casing, as D, inclosing said parts; an oil-reservoir as M; an oil-pump, as N, provided with a rod, as N; and a lever connecting said rod with the valve-rod of the engine.

8. In a steering apparatus for vessels, the combination of a controlling-valve; a controlling-piece for said valve centered in the line of axis of the rudder-head; and mechanism for actuating said valve through said controlling-piece.

9. In a steering apparatus for vessels, the combination of a tiller or frame secured to the rudder-head and carrying a fluid-motor apparatus; a controlling-piece centered on said frame, and connected to the valve of said apparatus; and mechanism for actuatin g said valve through said controlling-piece.

10. In a steering apparatus for vessels, the combination of a tiller or frame secured to the rudder-head and carrying a fluid-motor apparatus; a valve-rod connected to the controlling-valve of said apparatus; a lever connected to said valve-rod; a spindle connected to said lever and provided at its other end with a bevel-pinion; a toothed sector meshing with said pinion and arranged to turn loosely on said rudder-head; and an operating-rod connected to said sector.

11. A steering apparatus for vessels, con sisting of a tiller or frame secured to the rudder-head and carrying a fluid-motor apparatus; gearing for operating said frame located at one end thereof and connected to said motor apparatus by a clutch mechanism; and gearing located at the other end of said upon or secured to one end of said frame;

a hand-wheel shaft connected to said sector by gearing; and a clutch mechanism for disconnecting said gearing from said sector; whereby the rudder may be operated either by said fluid-motor apparatus or by handpower.

A. 1;. BROWN. 11.3. \Vitnesses:

WILLIAM J. l-IILL, JOHN M. MILLIGAN. 

